Does your child have trouble dealing with their emotions? 

Is their behavior sometimes disruptive to your home life? 

Have they experienced sudden loss or trauma?

As they grow, children and adolescents develop social skills and emotional intelligence. This awareness helps them to develop into healthy, happy, and successful individuals. But some children have trouble processing their emotions and this often leads to behavior that negatively impacts their school life, home life, and overall well-being.

Therapy offers children and adolescents a safe space to work through their thoughts and emotions. With the help of a specialized therapist, children can resolve problems, modify behaviors, and make positive and lasting changes. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 22:6 (KJV), “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Therapy can be part of that training, guiding children towards a healthier, more fulfilling path.

Dr. L.L. Gill, LPC introduces the Lend An Ear, Lend A Hug (LAE-LAH) Model, emphasizing empathy, compassion, and support for spiritual growth.  The model combines psychological principles with biblical teachings to offer holistic mental health support, integrating spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being.  Rooted in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, the model stresses community, mutual support, and readiness for personal and communal achievements.  By intertwining Biblical wisdom with therapeutic practices, LAE-LAH aims to create a supportive environment where Love, Acceptance, Encouragement, Learning, Accountability, and Healing are paramount, leading to holistic success.  

Overview

The LAE-LAH mental health model combines psychological principles with biblical teachings to offer holistic support to individuals.  It seeks to address the intricate connections between individual, family, and community elements affecting mental health. Grounded in Biblical principles, LAE-LAH integrates spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being by involving individuals in their families, communities, and faith settings. The model stresses the significance of readiness and embracing opportunities provided by God for personal and communal achievements.

Foundational Scripture

The core of LAE-LAH is rooted in biblical principles. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (KJV) says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." This scripture emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support, foundational to our model.

LAE-LAH is more than a model; it is a Christ-centered approach to mental health that prepares individuals to meet life's challenges with faith and resilience. LAE-LAH aims to create a supportive environment where mental health is nurtured through the wisdom of scripture and the strength of community.  By preparing individuals and families with the tools and opportunities to succeed, we embody our motto, “Success can only happen when opportunity meets preparedness,” grounded in the eternal truth of God’s word.

Romans 12:2 (KJV) encourages us: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” LAE-LAH aids in this transformation by renewing the mind's thought patterns.

Psalm 34:17-18 (KJV): “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” LAE-LAH  helps children and adolescents process their inner emotions by providing context and understanding to emotions that can seem overwhelming. This allows children to work through emotions and move forward. 

Family Therapy

Family therapy is great for helping families improve communication so they can resolve issues. Sessions can include the entire family, including children, siblings, parents, and grandparents, or just one or two individuals. Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) states, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Family therapy fosters an environment where such kindness and forgiveness can flourish.

Who is Therapy Right for?

At every age, children can be faced with life’s challenges. The following are some of the events and scenarios that can impact a child’s mental health and well-being:

· The death of a loved one

· Bullying

· Physical or sexual abuse

· Domestic violence

· Moving or attending a new school

· Divorce

· Social anxiety

· Depression

· ADHD

· Eating disorders

Therapy is not a quick fix to a child’s behavioral or emotional issues. It is instead a thoughtful and comprehensive process that provides children with insights and skills so that they may become masters of their thoughts and feelings. This, in essence, is how children develop into happy, healthy, and successful adults. As Psalms 127:3 (KJV) reminds us, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” Investing in their emotional and mental well-being is a reflection of this divine heritage.

If you would like to explore treatment options for your child, please give my office a call.